KARL Robinson says Oxford United have yet to to receive an apology following the fiery Good Friday encounter at Sunderland last season.

The FA charged Sunderland assistant manager Jamie McAllister with alleged ‘improper and/or violent conduct’ in the tunnel area at half-time.

Robinson, who claimed goalkeeper Jack Stevens was headbutted during the interval, was given a four-match touchline ban for his part in the flare-ups.

Read again: Karl Robinson banned from touchline for next four matches

“The passion that we show is almost a frustration to the opposition sometimes,” said Robinson.

“We do wind people up and what happened there last year stays.

“We’ve still not had an apology and that is something that will be said.

“From my point of view, I don’t think that’s fair.

“Lee Johnson handled it really well, Lee’s one of the good guys.

“Anyone who thinks there’s any animosity between the two managers, that’s certainly not the case.”

See also: Robinson addresses Marcus Browne and James Norwood links

Previewing the clash at the Stadium of Light, Robinson added: “Sunderland has always been a club I’ve enjoyed going to.

“Anyone who loves their football, loves rivalry – it makes the game special.

“We know we’re going to have to be at our very best to get anything out of the game but we’ve gone on the road this year and I think we’ve done ourselves the world of good.

“People speak about winning big games, beating Sheffield Wednesday was a big one for us.

“Holding Rotherham at home, holding Wycombe – just don’t lose to these teams, I don’t think you should lose in the big games.

“It’s about making it out with something, that will always be our objective in big games.”